Service Learning at Pet Project, Inc. Ottawa Elementary School District 141 Shepherd Middle School, Ottawa, IL Emily Kath, School Social Worker Sarah Reusnow, Special Education Teacher

What is Service-Learning? According to “service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities”. Examples: Students Pick Up Garbage; Change Can Come from Coffee; SOCKS

Why is Service-Learning Important? Provides structured time to reflect by thinking, discussing, and writing about experiences Provides an opportunity to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations Fosters a sense of caring for others Builds effective partnerships Meets community needs

Our Project!! Use service-learning to find an engaging way for students to learn. Ensure that our students know the intrinsic feeling of caring for others, in this case, animals. Parallel curriculum to experiences at Pet Project with writing essays (Hoarding Farmhouse) Motivation!!!

Illinois Social Emotional Learning Goals Goal 1: Develop self- awareness and self-management skills to achieve school and life success. Goal 2: Use social awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships. Goal 3: Demonstrate decision- making skills and positive behaviors in personal, school, and community contexts.

Objectives for Students at Pet Project Display new and trusting relationships with people and animals Independently complete assigned tasks Report on personal experiences Identify strengths and weaknesses

Community Service Integrated with School Curriculum Dead Animals Found at Farmhouse By: Don Churney Summary: An Ottawa, IL, farmhouse north of Farm & Fleet on Rt. 23 was discovered abandoned. The tenants left numerous animals behind. Amongst the dead, 19 live animals were saved and sent to Pet Project, Inc. in Marseilles, IL.

Student A: reading GE of 3.5 “I felt a lot of different emotions when I read the article, Dead Animals Found at Farmhouse. It worried me because I didn't know if all the animals were found, if they were hurt, or if they were all alive. I was mad because the animals were not cleaned or fed, didn't get daily exercise, and the owners moved and left them to die. Lastly, I was happy because the Pet Project saved the animals, paid for vaccinations, spays, and neuters, and I'm able to volunteer at Pet Project. Hopefully, animal hoarding will never happen again. ” Community Service Integrated with School Curriculum Cont... Student B: reading GE of 4.5 “ I felt a lot of emotions when I read, Dead Animals Found at Farmhouse. Initially, I felt anger because many animals had died, they died painfully, and the owners left them to die on purpose. I then felt sad because the animals were frightened, neglected, and deserved better treatment. By the end of the article, I felt excited because most of the animals were still alive, they were cared for by Pet Project, and I was able to donate my spare time to help these animals. I love taking care of mistreated animals and so should you.”

Wrap Up Meaningful Service: – Volunteering at Pet Project, Inc. Reflection: – Daily Discussions and Journals – Fosters a sense of caring and empathy Academic Content: – 5 paragraph essays – Use knowledge for real-life applications

Thank you to… Building Administrators – Mrs. Lori Kimes – Mr. Dan Burkart Our Students & their Families Pet Project, Inc. Videographer/ Tech Teacher – Mr. Paul Baxter